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The Directory of Literary Agents
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Literary Agent Directory
Important: Visit each agent’s website (links in their listings below) to see if they’re open to submissions before querying.
- You are searching within category(ies): Young Adult Fiction *
Biography
Hilary Harwell is a literary agent with KT Literary. As a proud member of the KT Literary family, Hilary represents children’s and young adult authors. She joined the team in 2016 as an assistant to both Kate and Sara and began taking on her own clients in 2017. Hilary is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she earned a degree in Anthropology. She went on to work in the back office of a major Swiss Investment Bank for eight years before deciding to trade numbers for letters. When not reading or editing or writing stories of her own, Hilary likes to hike the Rockies with her family and dreams of one day owning her own horses. As an agent, Hilary partners with her growing list of clients to develop their projects in preparation for submission and strategizes to help them build long-term writing careers as published authors. She’s highly communicative, empathetic, and supportive as an agent–tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs, acting as a strong advocate, and helping them navigate the business side of publishing their work. She’s actively acquiring middle grade and young adult projects across all genres; picture books, chapter books and graphic novels by author-illustrators. More about her interests can be found at Manuscript Wishlist. Recent sales can be found on Publisher’s Marketplace.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile *
9249 S. Broadway #200-543 Highlands Ranch CO 80129 USA
Biography
Merrilee Heifetz is a literary agent with Writers House Literary Agency. Merrilee has been at Writers House for over 20 years and was one of the first agents to handle comic books/graphic novels when asked by a very young Neil Gaiman to represent his work with DC Comics (he did promise to write bestselling novels one day and she is very glad she took him at his word.) She is one of the few agents who is well known for representing both adult and children’s books and she finds she has been very successful with authors who don’t fall into categories and who can benefit from overall career management.
Her New York Times Bestsellers include Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Melissa Marr and Beth Revis, whose 2011 debut novel ACROSS THE UNIVERSE she placed in a major deal. Her award winners include three Newbery Medals (Cynthia Voigt, Robin McKinley and Neil Gaiman) a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient (the late Octavia E Butler) and many best of the year awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula and the World Fantasy Award. For five years she chaired the Contracts Committee for the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR).
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Mainstream * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Celebrity * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Music * Narrative * Pop Culture * Reference * Young Adult *
120 Broadway 22nd floor New York NY 10271 USA
Biography
Andrea Heinecke is a literary agent with The Bindery. Andrea brings a broad publishing background to every project she represents, having worked as an editor, publicist, and literary agent with award-winning authors writing both fiction and nonfiction for adults, youth, and children.
Andrea represents bestselling and critically acclaimed authors—thoughtful and diverse women and men who contribute to the culture and dialogue of our world. She has been a literary agent for over a decade and has negotiated hundreds of contracts on behalf of her wonderful clients, which include The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, Eugene Peterson, Valorie Burton, and Brian Zahnd.
Her love for the written word began early in life and took her to Seattle Pacific University, where she majored in English Literature. She has served within her community and industry as a board member for the Henri Nouwen Society, a Girl Scout Leader, and a member of the Coronado Junior Woman’s Club. She lives in California with her husband Matt, a teacher and musician, and their children, Ella and Luke.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * General Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Religious * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Humor * Inspiration * Juvenile * Memoir * Multicultural * Parenting/Child Guidance * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Young Adult *
Colorado Springs CO 80908 USA
Biography
Alyssa Eisner Henkin is a literary agent with Birch Path Literary. She says: “Upon earning my bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania, I fulfilled a childhood dream – to move to New York and work with books. I was fortunate to land a job in editorial at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. At S&S, the time spent learning about the rapidly flourishing kidlit market from the wisest of colleagues was invaluable to my career. Ultimately my entrepreneurial drive led me to become a literary agent at Trident Media Group. At TMG, I cultivated a stable of bestselling and multi-award-winning children’s book authors. A plethora of ancillary deals for audio, film, theatrical, merchandising, and international editions has made me an ardent advocate for the rights of creators.
With the founding of Birch Path Literary, I have the privilege of “soul” proprietorship. I come from a long line of business owners who have always valued professional integrity, optimism, and passion. Just as enterprising Anne Shirley strode down her Birch Path, I thrive on navigating intricate labyrinths with each author and illustrator. We plot and strategize the best long-term opportunities across genre, format, and territory amidst an everchanging but verdant landscape for stories.
Timeless telling styles always entice me as a bicentennial baby fed on Bemelmans, Betsy-Tacy, Burnett, and the Brontës. Yet I am especially hungry for bold, change-making projects that promote underrepresented perspectives and foster inclusion. Certainly, the two categories are not mutually exclusive. My favorite books are character-driven, quirky, heartfelt, slyly humorous, and ultimately hopeful.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Historical * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Travel * Upmarket * Young Adult *
Bryn Mawr PA 19010 USA
Biography
Paloma Hernando is a literary agent with Einstein Literary Management. She joined Einstein Literary Management as an Associate Agent in 2020. Paloma has been working in independent publishing since 2015, involved in editing, publishing, and selling mini-comics, zines, graphic novels, webcomics, and large-scale anthologies. A 2017 graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art, Paloma currently lives in Brooklyn.
Paloma’s favorite books often have a bit of magic in them, and she loves being able to dive into any world, real or invented, presented on the page. She is looking for both graphic novels and prose fiction for YA or adult, including more mature stories, particularly ones that deal with difficult emotions and nuanced characters. She loves romance, particularly queer romance, science fiction that feels fresh, high fantasy, and middle grade with a good sense of humor. She is interested in non-fiction for all ages, especially anything that digs into media analysis or an event in history. She loves a story with a strong voice and solid construction.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Humor Fiction * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Romance * Science Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Current Events/Affairs * General Nonfiction * History * Juvenile * Middle Grade * Technology * Young Adult *
27 West 20th Street Suite 1003 New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Christa Heschke is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. Christa graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children’s Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively acquiring for all age groups in children’s.
For YA, she is especially interested in contemporary, thriller/mystery, fantasy and horror. She looks for a compelling voice and a strong hook that will set a YA novel apart in the flooded market. She is open to all types of middle grade and especially enjoys adventure, mystery, and magical realism. For both YA and MG, she is interested in unique settings and cultural influences, interesting structure, complicated romances, diverse characters, sister or friendship-centric stories, and stories that feature artists of any kind. In picture books she is drawn to cute, funny stories (as opposed to sweet and quiet) that will grab kids as well as the occasional nonfiction biography on a subject whose story has yet to be told.
Christa is not looking for any Adult fiction or non-fiction, paranormal or dystopian at this time.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Fantasy * Horror * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
207 E. 37th Street Suite BG New York NY 10016 USA
Biography
Jordan Hill is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. She is primarily pursuing literary and upmarket fiction for adults. She loves intergenerational stories that grapple with complexities of families and culture through time and anything with an unreliable narrator or a speculative bent. She’s also a fan of weird short fiction. In the YA space, she’s drawn to contemporary thrillers–anything with high stakes and a heart. For Middle Grade readers, she looks for adventure or contemporary stories that deal with tough topics for kids. Across the board, she also considers historical fiction or retellings with a fresh approach and compelling perspective.
Prior to agenting she worked in the advertising world at a boutique agency, and before that was a bookseller. She hails from Texas and studied English Language & Lit and Spanish at Smith College. In her free time she loves exploring Brooklyn and is always on the search for the best cheeseburger the city has to offer.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Family Saga * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Short Story Collection * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
Biography
Ashley Hong is a literary agent with Gardner Literary. She dove into the publishing world in 2017 after several years in news/digital media. She served the Convergent imprint of Penguin Random House for over four years, where she edited a number of NYT bestsellers.
She’s a sucker for the kind of writing that haunts you in a good way: transporting storytelling; compulsively readable memoirs; subversive prayers. But she’s also into the fun stuff: rom com lit that rivals TV; self-deprecating self-help; essay collections that feel like a friend.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Family Saga * Historical * Humor Fiction * Inspirational Fiction * Mystery * Religious * Romance * Suspense * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Christian * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Environment * Ethnic * Gardening * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * History * Memoir * Military/War * Multicultural * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Psychology * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Travel * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Elisa Houot is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. She is the author of five published Young Adult novels. Enthusiastic about discovering new voices, Elisa lives in France with her adorable and barking companion, Muffin.
She joined The Seymour Agency after a MA in publishing. Reader, reviewer, book blogger, short story writer, published author, foreign rights agent, literary agent, Elisa has had many roles in the publishing industry. Beyond anything, she thrives on helping authors build their careers.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Picture Book * Romance * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: True Crime *
Biography
Antwan Houser is a literary agent with the Hartline Literary Agency. He a dedicated leader who loves working with and impacting the lives of youth and young adults in all facets of life. He is passionate about youth and young adults formerly serving as Youth Pastor at Mount Pisgah MBC and currently serving as the minister over the Young Adult Ministry at Emmanuel MBC in Indianapolis, IN.
He is a college graduate whom has achieved five degrees, to include an Associates, two Bachelors and two Masters. Antwan was the 2015 recipient of the Mayor’s Community Service Award for the State of Indiana awarded by Mayor Greg Ballard, he was the recipient of a Letter of Appreciation for his community service and service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day awarded by Congressman Andre’ Carson. He one whom lives by his life scripture “to whom much is given, much is required.”
Antwan, a Pastor and United States Navy Veteran, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, member of the Indianapolis Urban League as well as a Member of the Indiana Rotary Club is married with three children.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Christian * Business * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Gift/Novelty * Inspiration * Juvenile * Lifestyle * Middle Grade * Narrative * Politics * Self-Help/Personal Development * Young Adult *
Biography
Macey Howell is a literary agent with WordLink, Incorporated. She is looking for literary fiction, romance, fantasy, psychological suspense and horror, narrative nonfiction, and cross-genre works that encompass any mix of these elements. She especially loves stylistically unconventional writing that uses language in an unexpected way and makes it feel unfamiliar and then familiar again, like moving into a new house and making it your home.
In YA and middle grade, she would like to see contemporary and fantasy projects that are imaginative and have coming-of-age themes that speak to a young reader’s perspective and concerns. She also considers whimsical and charming picture books that have a strong emotional center and deeply understand the specific context of the audience.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Fantasy * Horror * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Romance * Suspense * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Narrative *
Biography
Michelle Humphrey is a literary agent with the Martha Kaplan Agency. Before returning to the Martha Kaplan Agency where she was an agent 2009-2010, Michelle Humphrey was with International Creative Talent and Sterling Lord Literistic. Prior to these stints, she worked as an assistant for Renee Zuckerbrot Agency then Anderson Literary. She has also worked as an English Teacher, proofreader, and Freelance Book Reviewer. Her reviews have been published in Bitch, Bust, and The Women’s Review of Books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Juvenile Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Current Events/Affairs * History * Memoir * Military/War * Multicultural * Politics * Reference * Science * Technology * Women’s Issues *
115 W. 29 Street #3 New York NY 10001 USA
Biography
Allison Hunter is a literary agent with and a founding partner of Trellis Literary Management. She began her publishing career in 2005 working for the Los Angeles-based literary publicity firm Kim-from-L.A, and was an agent at InkWell Management, the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency, and Janklow & Nesbit before co-founding Trellis Literary Management in the fall of 2021, in search of more collaborative, boutique approach to client representation.
Allison is actively acquiring literary and commercial adult fiction, especially focusing on upmarket book club and women’s fiction, rom coms, thrillers and domestic suspense. She loves great storytelling and unforgettable characters, and is always looking for female friendship stories, campus novels, great love stories, family epics, and books about class and cultural identity. She would especially love to find a smart beach read by an author underrepresented in that category.
In the non-fiction space, Allison is acquiring select memoir, narrative nonfiction, and the occasional prescriptive project. She loves working with journalists and with experts in their field, and is always looking for pop culture, women’s issues and for books that speak to the current cultural climate.
Allison has a B.A. in American Studies and Creative Writing from Stanford University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, she now splits her time between upstate New York and Austin, Texas. She loves to cook, host dinner parties, watch all medical TV shows, and brainstorm new book ideas and plots with her authors.
Allison’s favorite non-client authors (if your work is similar, please get in touch!): Dolly Alderton, Candice Carty-Williams, Katherine Heiny, Emily Henry, Elin Hilderbrand, Samantha Irby, Liz Moore, Liane Moriarty, Celeste Ng, Emily Oster, Curtis Sittenfeld, Emma Straub, J. Courtney Sullivan, Jia Tolentino and Rebecca Traister.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chick Lit * Commercial * Contemporary * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * Gay/Lesbian Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Literary * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * New Adult * Romance * Satire * Suspense * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Celebrity * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Gay/Lesbian * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Politics * Pop Culture * Psychology * Religion * Science * Self-Help/Personal Development * Technology * Travel * True Crime * Women’s Issues *
New York NY USA
Biography
Daniele Hunter is a literary agent with the McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency. She has a BA in English from Drew University, with concentrations in literary criticism, poetry, and creative writing. graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She’s been with McIntosh & Otis since a 2016 internship, and is thrilled to be acquiring selectively as a junior agent in the children’s department. She is a member of the AALA and their DEI committee, and co-directs their fellowship program through Literary Agents of Change.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * New Adult * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
Biography
Ismita Hussain is a literary agent with Great Dog Literary. She is a Georgia native and graduate of Emory University, where she studied Human Health and Italian. During college, she also worked for various Atlanta area hospitals in departments ranging from neonatal to geriatric care. In her Desi household, she grew up speaking Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu.
Ismita is seeking literary fiction, health-related non-fiction, YA, and short story collections. Some of her favorite authors are Flannery O’Connor, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, and Tom Perrotta. Ismita is especially drawn to fiction with a Southern setting, gritty realist writing, and any books that explore health or disability. Ultimately though, she’s a sucker for writing with a great sense of humor. Member: AALA.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Contemporary * Fantasy * Humor Fiction * Literary * Magical Realism * New Adult * Satire * Short Story Collection * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Animals/Pets * Art * Biography * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Film/Entertainment * Fitness * Food/Drinks * Health/Wellness * Humor * Journalism * Medical/Medicine * Memoir * Narrative * Pop Culture * Sports * Travel *
Biography
Steven Hutson is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. He says, “I was a storyteller almost from birth; poems, articles, business letters, advertising copy, and lame excuses. But like most writers, I kept a day job; in-between gigs I found gainful employment as a clerk typist, vitamin buyer, waiter, forklift operator, lifeguard, bookkeeper, grocery manager, printer’s apprentice, and meat cutter. Oh, and I went to college for a while with a major in business.
But the muse didn’t give up on me, and in time I had a couple of books published. One thing led to another; I edited books for others and managed a writers’ conference for several years, making many valuable contacts along the way. I’ve mentored hundreds of aspiring authors, I speak often at writers’ events, and I write two blogs. Swimming, gardening, and cooking keep my hands busy in-between. I live in sunny Southern California with my wife Ruth and son Bradley.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Crime/Detective/Police * Ethnic Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Humor Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Multicultural Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Science Fiction * Thriller * Western * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Crafts * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Diet/Nutrition * Environment * Family * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * Gardening * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Inspiration * Juvenile * Memoir * Middle Grade * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Narrative * Nature * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Science * Spirituality * Sports * Technology * Travel * True Crime * Young Adult *
4083 Avenue L Suite 255 Lancaster CA 93536 USA
Biography
Nathaniel Jacks is a literary agent with InkWell Management. He joined InkWell Management after graduating from Columbia University with a BA in literature. Among the books he represents are The Birth of Cool by New Yorker contributor Nicola Twilley, The Heavenly Table by Guggenheim Fellow Donald Ray Pollock, American Hookup by sociologist Lisa Wade, Ph.D., The Code of Trust by behavioral expert Robin Dreeke, and Broad Influence by TIME Washington correspondent Jay Newton-Small. He is excited to work with ambitious authors whose books enlighten everyday life, demystify systems, explore the mind, question the status quo, and empower self-improvement. He also oversees contracts at InkWell.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Mainstream * Mystery * Picture Book * Short Story Collection * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Autobiography * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Gift/Novelty * Health/Wellness * History * Humor * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Multicultural * Music * Narrative * Politics * Pop Culture * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Travel * Science *
521 Fifth Avenue Suite 2600 New York NY 10175 USA
Biography
Hillary Jacobson is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is actively building a list consisting of commercial and literary fiction, YA, as well as narrative non-fiction and memoir. She joined ICM in 2015, started representing books in 2016, and was officially promoted to agent in 2017. Prior to ICM, she interned at Random House, Janklow & Nesbit and Alloy Entertainment. She is a graduate of Brown University.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Family Saga * General Fiction * Historical * Horror * Humor Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Romance * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: General Nonfiction * Memoir * Middle Grade * Narrative * True Crime *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Amy Jameson is a literary agent with A+B Works. Amy began her career in publishing working with renowned literary agent Lynn Nesbit. During her seven years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates, Amy had the privilege of working with acclaimed authors such as Michael Crichton, President Jimmy Carter, Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Joan Didion, Jeffrey Eugenides, and many others. She also sold audio and first serial rights for several years at J&N while building her own select client list. In 2004, she left Janklow and partnered with her husband Brandon to form A+B Works. Amy has always had a passion for young adult and middle grade fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Sharon Creech, Jerry Spinelli, Madeleine L’Engle, E.L. Konigsberg, Louisa May Alcott, Susan Juby, Cynthia Rylant, Karen Cushman, Susan Cooper, and, of course, her own clients. Amy enjoys spending time with her children, trying to grow things in her garden, cooking, singing, and reading really great books.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
New York NY USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Weronika E. Janczuk is a literary agent with the Janczuk Literary Agency. She is the founder of the Janczuk Literary Agency. She began her work in trade book publishing in 2009, during a high school work-study that placed her in an internship with a small imprint in Minnesota. She then worked with the industry’s best agents, including Lynn C. Franklin (1946-2021), Kathleen Anderson, Jenny Bent, and Mary Kole (formerly of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency), agenting from 2010-2012, while an undergrad at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She built a list that included the first four books of Campbell Award-winning and two-time Hugo Award-nominee novelist Max Gladstone’s Craft Sequence.
At NYU, she studied creative writing under the direction of Dr. June Foley, wrote and served as editor for her undergraduate literary and literacy journals, and aided literacy-related projects on NYC’s Lower East Side. She graduated NYU in December 2013.
After five years working for two international non-profits on education- and health-related programming, Weronika returned to the world of corporate book publishing, opening JLA in the state of New York in the fall of 2021.
Born in Canada to parents who immigrated as political exiles from communist Poland, Weronika moved to the USA in 1998. Fluent in Polish and English, today she is privileged to be a rare tri-citizen: Polish, Canadian, and American. She lives in Brooklyn.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * Fantasy * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Literary * Mystery * Picture Book * Romance * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Architecture * Art * Biography * Business * Computers * Cultural/Social Issues * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Design * Economics * Education * Family * General Nonfiction * Health/Wellness * History * How-To * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Mind/Body/Spirit * Money/Finance * Philosophy * Politics * Pop Culture * Practical * Psychology * Science * Technology * Travel *
54 W. 40th St. New York NY 10018 USA
Biography
Luke Janklow is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Luke Janklow represents an eclectic list of authors with multiple talents ranging from imaginative storytelling to broadcasting, cooking, politics and rock-and-roll. There is one governing principle to Luke’s taste: books that are prime examples of their type. His list features fiction and narrative nonfiction, journalism, idea books, celebrity, sports and cookbooks. In fiction, satire is a particular favorite, as is high concept science fiction, humor, thrillers/spy stories and young adult.
Luke is focused on where publishing is going and what it will look like in the near and far future. He is open to exploring new publishing ideas and how authors can maximize and broaden their earning power and cultural impact.
Having graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Cinema Studies and Art History, Luke is engaged by the worlds of film, television and digital. He is also exploring branding, products and other unusual ways for storytellers to expand their reach.
As a professional musician who once wrote and made records, Luke’s experience in the music business provided valuable lessons that he applies to his work with authors. As a songwriter, he experienced how difficult it is to sit alone and create something and then present it to a sometimes indifferent world. Creating an original work takes imagination and guts; artists and authors need strong advocates in their corner. He saw the music business implode in the digital revolution, and sees preventable parallels that publishing can avoid in this transitional time.
We are in the storytelling business and there are stories everywhere.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Espionage/Military * General Fiction * Humor Fiction * Satire * Science Fiction * Suspense * Thriller * Upmarket Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Design * Film/Entertainment * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * Journalism * Memoir * Music * Narrative * Politics * Sports * Technology * Upmarket *
285 Madison Avenue 21st Floor New York NY 10017 USA
Biography
* Picture Book authors should not submit unless also illustrators. *
Jessica Saint Jean is a literary agent with Jill Grinberg Literary Management. She joined Jill Grinberg Literary Management in 2020 to build a list of visual storytellers. Jessica came to JGLM from the art department at Candlewick Press, where she was in charge of illustrator searches and negotiating illustrator contracts for 6 years. She started her career as an editor at Barefoot Books, enabling her to bring experience from both an art and editorial perspective to her role as an agent. Jessica earned her B.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, and still lives in Massachusetts – though now a few miles north of downtown. She loves any excuse to make a color-coded spreadsheet, walk instead of drive, and start a new book.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Chapter Book * Children’s Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
392 Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn NY 11238 USA
Biography
Bethany Jett is a literary agent with the Hartline Literary Agency. She is a multi-award-winning traditionally-published author, ghostwriter, and marketing strategist who earned top honors in her master’s program, where she earned her MFA in Communications focusing on Marketing and PR. She co-owns Serious Writer and loves to help writers reach their audiences. She is also obsessed with planners, “The Office,” and #cleanTok.
Bethany is married to her college sweetheart. They served in youth ministry for several years and now live the military life while raising three sons and two fluffy Pomeranians.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Christian Fiction * Contemporary * Historical * Inspirational Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Religious * Romance * Suspense * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Business * Christian * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Design * Food/Drinks * Gardening * Gift/Novelty * How-To * Parenting/Child Guidance * Religion * Self-Help/Personal Development * Spirituality * Women’s Issues *
Biography
Jennifer Joel is a literary agent with CAA/ICM. She is co-head of the literary department of the agency. She says: “When I left my first job as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs to become a literary agent, most of my new colleagues were aghast at what they perceived I’d given up for the privilege of working in a creative field. More recently, I’m commended for my wise and prescient career change.
I’m extremely fortunate to be able to spend my time representing a diverse group of writers of both fiction and nonfiction, whose work has in common two essential elements: they’re good stories, well told. My clients include literary and commercial novelists for adults and young readers, historians, biographers, memoirists, journalists, strategists, adventurers, entertainers and other extraordinary individuals with big ideas to share.
I’m also a member of The Library Council at the New York Public Library and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.”
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Commercial * Crime/Detective/Police * General Fiction * Historical * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Mystery * Picture Book * Suspense * Thriller * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Art * Biography * Business * Celebrity * Cooking/Cookbook * Current Events/Affairs * Dating/Relationship/Sex * Film/Entertainment * General Nonfiction * History * Humor * Journalism * Lifestyle * Memoir * Military/War * Money/Finance * Music * Narrative * Parenting/Child Guidance * Photography * Politics * Pop Culture * Reference * Religion * Science * Spirituality * Sports * True Adventure * True Crime *
65 East 55th Street 14th Floor New York NY 10022 USA
Biography
Brianne Johnson is a literary agent with HG Literary. After working at independent bookstores, a book warehouse, a literary magazine, and in book publishing, Brianne started as a starry-eyed intern at Writer’s House in 2007. She worked her way up to Senior Agent before moving to HG Literary in 2021.
Brianne represents children’s books of all stripes, with a particular focus on character-driven middle grade and young adult fiction. She also selectively represents picture books and adult fiction.
Some of her clients include: winner of the Edgar Award and #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley King, authors of the recent HBO Max film UNPREGNANT Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, Edgar nominated author Greg Howard, award winning playwright and author Kate Scelsa, Joya Goffney, Heather Fawcett, Laura Sibson, Cheryl Klein, Camilla Bruce, and others.
Brianne is particularly passionate about social justice stories, amplifying under-represented voices and perspectives, sex positivity, alternative lifestyles, quirky romances, well-researched historical fiction, and witchy/mythy genre benders. She loves pushing the envelope on balancing big, universally important themes with hope and humor in unexpected ways.
The one link Brianne has throughout the genres she focuses on is humor and whimsy, particularly in darker settings. She loves stories that can illuminate something about humanity in a fresh and quirky way, AND make her laugh. Life is serious enough. Reading should be a joy.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * Fantasy * General Fiction * Historical * Magical Realism * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Science Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION:
6 West 18th Street #7R New York NY 10011 USA
Biography
Janine Kamouh is a literary agent with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: Children’s Fiction * General Fiction * Graphic Novel * Juvenile Fiction * Middle Grade Fiction * Picture Book * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Juvenile * Middle Grade * Young Adult *
11 Madison Avenue 18th Floor New York NY 10010 USA
Biography
Elizabeth Kaplan is a literary agent with the Elizabeth Kaplan Literary Agency. Elizabeth has represented numerous critically acclaimed and best-selling authors throughout her 20-year career as a literary agent. She is known for the sharp insights and editing skills she brings to the development of successful projects and authors’ careers. She works tirelessly to connect individuals, and to find the right home for each project.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Elizabeth moved to New York City and began her publishing career as the assistant to Jim Silberman, the founder of Summit Books. Elizabeth worked as an editor at Summit for three years before moving on to assist another publishing legend, the literary agent Sterling Lord. Before beginning her own agency in 2002, she worked as an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic, and the Ellen Levine Agency.
Elizabeth’s main areas of focus include: literary fiction, young adult fiction, narrative nonfiction (especially issue-based books), history, biography, food writing and cookbooks and memoir.
Notes
This literary agent represents:
FICTION: General Fiction * Literary * Middle Grade Fiction * Upmarket Fiction * Women’s Fiction * Young Adult Fiction *
NONFICTION: Biography * Cooking/Cookbook * Cultural/Social Issues * Food/Drinks * General Nonfiction * History * Memoir * Narrative * Pop Culture * Practical *
138 West 25th Street Suite 1018 New York NY 10001 USA
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About Mark Malatesta
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company Literary Agent Undercover and The Bestselling Author. Mark’s authors have gotten six-figure book deals, been on the NYT bestseller list, and published with houses such as Random House, Scholastic, and Thomas Nelson. Click here to learn more about Mark Malatesta and click here for Reviews of Mark Malatesta.
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Author Coaching Testimonials
“Mark, finding you has been both a treat and a treasure—I just signed a contract with my new literary agent!
My career has spanned publishing, TV, and feature film. I’ve served as Creative Dir. for the Magazine Group, TIME Inc.; Dir. of Time World News Service, a Founding Dir. of TIME-Life Films; Exec. Prod. for both the CBS and NBC TV Networks; Prod./Dir.: Movies of the Week: CBS Cinema Center Films and Universal MCA.
In today’s publishing marketplace, agents come and go. They also very often seem to just want an easy pathway to make a buck. Many authors are let go by their agents because their last book didn’t do well enough and the agent doesn’t want to devote the time to help the author. That’s not what you’re about Mark. Even established authors need this type of support in today’s marketplace.”
Author of ten fiction and nonfiction books
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“I’m psyched to have this be official. After getting five different offers for representation from top literary agents, I signed with Stephanie Tade who got me a 6-figure book deal with Penguin!
Getting multiple agents interested in my work was really important to me. I’ve dealt with agents before and gotten screwed on things contractually so I wanted to do it differently this time. I wanted choices.
Having you help me create that, and navigate my options, was really helpful. I heard other authors talk about their great relationships with their agents and it made me want the same thing. Now I have that.”
Author of Woman on Fire
(Penguin Books)
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“After sending out the query Mark revised for me, I had the opportunity to speak with literary agents from top agencies such as Janklow & Nesbit, Trident Media, Anderson Lit, and Folio. I signed with Don Fehr at Trident and, a short time later I had a publishing contract with Berkley Books, which recently published my book in hardcover.
Before that, I sent my query letter out on my own to 30 or 40 agents and got a lot of rejections. I then found Mark online while I was researching agents. I was surprised that he offered so much during his initial consultation—for a very modest amount of money.
I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t worked with Mark. I can’t even imagine that now though, because of the grief and detours I experienced before we worked together. It was a time-consuming pain in the neck. If you want to get the attention of top literary agents and publishers, there is no substitute for working with an insider. You can’t beat experience. And having Mark on your side is incredibly valuable.”
Author of Single Handed
(Berkley Books, a Division of Penguin Random House)
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“AHHH! OMG, it happened! I got three offers of representation for my children’s picture book in the United States, even though I live abroad! When I woke up and found the first offer for representation in my email in box, I wanted to scream. But my family was still asleep so I couldn’t. 🙂
Just 8 minutes after I sent a query letter to one of my favorite agents, she replied and asked to see my manuscript. A short time later we had a lovely conversation. She was interested in representing me and sounded very positive and enthusiastic about my book. Since I also got offers from two other agents, I had to turn two of them down. One of them was upset and it felt like I was breaking her heart, but you just have to do it. I kept reminding myself that this is a good problem to have!”
Author/Illustrator of Lon-Lon’s Big Night
and many other children’s books
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“Mark, after you helped me land a top literary agent, I got publishing offers from THREE well-known publishers: Amacom, Palgrave Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill (they’re publishing my book in hardcover)!
I was at Disneyworld with my family, in the Haunted Mansion, when I got the call. I went outside and listened to the voicemail message from my agent. A huge smile came over my face. It was a fantastic feeling. For a moment I felt like life was perfect and the angels were singing.
You’re filling an important need so I’ll say this to every other author reading this testimonial. Mark showed me that getting a top literary agent is a science. If you’ve written a book, or you’re in the process, you’ve already invested a lot—a lot more than money. Don’t stop yourself from getting out there to fulfill your purpose and dreams. Thank you so, so much, Mark!!!”
Author of Customer Focused Process Innovation (McGraw Hill)
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“I got a book deal! After I started sending out my new query letter I had 6 literary agents request my manuscript in a short amount of time, which is awesome. Then, within 2 weeks of my agent starting to pitch my story to publishers, we had an offer. I signed a book contract yesterday. A little while later my agent told me that a TV co-producer asked for more info about my book.
By the way, the acquiring editor that fell in love with the manuscript jumped in with both feet and we just worked out our timeline for publication. She’s as passionate about getting my book out as I am, and that means everything. She read the manuscript in two days and said she couldn’t put it down. And the book is going to be published as a hardcover!”
Author of A Chick in the Cockpit
(Behler Publications)
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“Thank you Mark! After you helped me get a well-known agent with Hartline Literary Agency (for my previously self-published murder mystery), he got me a deal with an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) approved publisher. I’m hard-pressed to find anything that I had an expectation for that you didn’t deliver on.
Before I worked with you I sent out queries, but no one ever requested my complete manuscript. Comparing your new version of my query to the one I wrote before, I can see a vast difference.
I’ve been in business for 35 years so I’m not just saying this… what you’re doing is phenomenal. There are other people offering similar services, but the difference is your success. Others might say they do similar things but, if you research them, they don’t have your background or track record.”
Author of The Rector
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“Mark, you’re a miracle worker. Thanks to your help with my book, query letter, and synopsis… I now have a legitimate publisher who described my book as ‘Powerful Magic’ and it’s now available in bookstores and online!
I’m a lifelong academic writer who one day found myself writing inspired short stories that came to me in dreams and I began thinking of them as novels. That’s when I had a momentous conversation, an introductory coaching call with Mark Malatesta, the American creative writing coach, or rather, to be precise, a how-to-sell-yourself-and-your-work adviser. It was the best-spent money of my life apart (possibly) for my wedding ring.”
Author of The Black Inked Pearl
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“Within 4 minutes of sending out my query letter, a top literary called me on the phone (the #1 agent on my wish list). Less than 30 days later I had three major publishers making offers. A few days after that, I signed a deal with Random House. Mark, your query letter did that.
My agent talked about the query letter you helped me create for a long, long time. When he first called me on the phone, he hadn’t seen any of my sample chapters. It was just the query letter that did it. Communicating the right thing is so important. You are a wonderful medium helping authors find their voice and elevate their writing from just a hobby to a real business… a source from which they can both learn and earn.”
Author of Lights Out
(Random House)
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“MARK, MARK, MARK!!!!!!! Holy smokes… I just signed my book deal. First, two well-known literary agents asked to represent me. One of them responded to my query letter in less than 4 minutes!!
Then THREE different publishers wanted my book and started talking about making offers. The publisher I chose is perfect for me because they produce titles for the trade, educational, and scientific markets. And they agreed to publish my book as a hardcover!!!
When I met you, Mark, it was a pivotal time. I was under the belief that I could self-publish my book with a vanity press and then seek a publisher. I didn’t know what a literary agent was, why I needed one, or how to get one. I was wandering in the dark. You guided me in the right direction and gave me a solid plan.”
Author of Intestinal Health
(Rowman & Littlefield)
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“Boom!!! I just signed a contract with Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins for (what I’ve been told by several people) is a very large advance for a first-time author.
Before working with Mark I submitted my book to agents but didn’t get any interest. This time around I got a top NY literary agency (Fine Print Lit). What cloud is higher than 9?
I had several agencies interested before deciding to go with Fine Print. And, to be honest, all of the attention didn’t surprise me. The query letter and proposal that Mark helped me develop were incredible. Agents actually said things to me like: ‘Scott, I read your proposal and I’m just blown away by it!’ Mark is extremely talented at what he does. If you have the opportunity to work with him, take advantage of it.”
Author of The Unbreakable Boy
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)